Page, what I think of this case. I
will say this, however, if Harry Boyden is, as you so firmly believe,
innocent of this crime, I will not rest until I have proved him
guiltless."

"Oh, Detective Carter, how am I to thank you?" cried the girl, with her
tearful eyes raised to Nick's kindly face.

"By not trying to do so," said he, smiling. "And by carefully following
a few directions which I shall now give you."

"I will follow them to the very letter, sir," cried the grateful girl.

"First, then, go home and borrow no further trouble about young Boyden,"
said Nick, impressively. "Second, disclose to no person that you have
called upon me, or that I have any interest in the case. Third, say
nothing about the jewel casket, and display no personal knowledge of the
affair. Fourth, do not come here again unless I send for you. And,
finally, rest assured that I will do all in my power to have young
Boyden at liberty as soon as possible. To remain in custody a short
time, however, will not seriously harm him, and in a way it may do me
some service. Can you remember all that?"

"Indeed I can, sir; and I will obey you in all!" cried Violet, with much
feeling.

"That's right," smiled Nick, as he escorted her to the door. "You shall
not lose anything by so doing."

"Ah, I am sure of that, sir. You are so very kind, and I am so glad that
I came to you."

"Well, well, we shall see," laughed Nick, with a paternal caress of her
shapely white hand. "By the way, Miss Page, since I now happen to think
of it," the crafty detective indifferently added, "wasn't there a Hindoo
juggler, or snake charmer, or something of that sort, connected with
your late vaudeville company?"

"Oh, yes, sir! Pandu Singe."

"Ah, that is his name, is it?"

"Yes, sir."

"Is he still in the city?"

"I am not sure, Mr. Carter; but I think that he may be, for he is signed
with the company for next season."

"Do you know where he has been living?"

"Yes, sir. I have seen his house address on letters forwarded to the
theater. Do you want it, sir?"

"If you can recall it, yes," smiled Nick, producing his notebook. "I am
making a study of the Hindoo language just at this time, and I would
like to consult Pandu Singe about certain books on the subject."

Miss Page did not suspect any duplicity in this, and she cheerfully gave
Nick the address of the snake charmer, whereupon the detective
graciously thanked her, and then escorted her to her waiti